Perforated disc and valve comprising the same

ABSTRACT

The orifice plate has a complete fluid passageway including inlet orifices, outlet orifices and at least one channel (cavity) disposed between them. The at least three functional levels of the orifice plate, having in each case a characteristic orifice structure, are constructed one on top of the other through electrodeposition (multi-layer electroplating), so the orifice plate is embodied in one piece. Because the orifice plate should be hydraulically unthrottled if the available plate surface is small, the inlet orifices are created with the largest possible circumferences. The orifice plate is particularly suited for use at injection valves, in paint nozzles, inhalers or ink-jet printers, in freeze-drying methods, for spraying or injecting fluids, or for atomizing medications.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an orifice plate and to a valve havingan orifice plate.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

U.S. Pat. No. 4,828,184 describes a method for manufacturing nozzles inthe form of orifice plates, which represent the so-called "S-typeplates." What is meant by this term is that the inlet and outletorifices in the orifice plate are offset from one another, forcing theflow of a fluid passing through the orifice plate to traverse an "Scourse." The orifice plates are formed by two planar silicon wafers thathave been bonded, with a plurality of inlet orifices being provided inthe upper, first silicon wafer and exactly one outlet orifice beingprovided in the lower, second silicon wafer fixedly connected to thefirst silicon wafer. The silicon wafers include areas of reducedthickness, so shearing gaps are formed between the orifices of the firstwafer and the one orifice of the second wafer, parallel to the end facesof the wafers. The inlet and outlet orifices are created with aconventional masking technique involving etching on silicon wafers thathave a plurality of orifice-plate structures. The truncated-pyramidcontours for the orifices in the orifice plate result logically from theanisotropic etching technique.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,383,597 describes an orifice plate having an S-typeplate construction and preferably produced from silicon. Regardless ofthe material used and the method of manufacture of the orifice plate,the orifice plate includes two fixedly-connected wafers that restdirectly against one another and are flowed through one behind theother. The upper, first wafer is provided with a plurality of inletorifices that open through into channel regions cut into the downstreamend face of the first wafer. The lower, second wafer has a plurality ofoutlet orifices that extend from channel regions representingdepressions at the upstream end face of the second wafer. In theassembled state of the orifice plate, the two wafers rest with one ontop of the other such that the channel regions of the two waferstogether form channels or cavities, which are flowed through between theinlet and outlet orifices. With the use of etching as the machiningmethod for the silicon wafers, the inlet and outlet orifices always havea truncated-pyramid shape. The channels also have wall inclinations thatare predetermined for etching by the crystal lattices of the silicon.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,449,114 describes an orifice plate, which isparticularly suited for fuel-injection valves and has twofixedly-connected wafers that rest closely against each other. Anorifice plates have a silicon or a plurality of metals, which areembodied such that a single inlet orifice extends in the upper, firstwafer and opens through into a trench, which serves as a channel, at thedownstream end face of the upper, first wafer. Four outlet orifices thatare offset from the upper inlet orifice are cut into the lower, secondwafer. An offsetting of the lower outlet orifices with respect to theinlet orifice ensures that an "course" will be formed in the flow of afluid, particularly a fuel, flowing through the orifices.

A disadvantage shared by all of the aforementioned silicon orificeplates is that their fracture strength may be insufficient due to thebrittleness of silicon. The silicon wafers are at risk of fracturing inresponse to continuous stress, such as at an injection valve (enginevibrations). Mounting the silicon wafers on metallic components, such asinjection valves, is complicated, because special stress-free securingmeans must be found, and the seal at the valve is problematic. It is notpossible, for example, to weld the silicon orifice plates to theinjection valve. A further disadvantage is wear (e.g., erosion) of theedges at the orifices of the silicon plates due to the frequentflow-through of a fluid.

Furthermore, German Patent Application No. 483 615 describes a nozzlefor fuel-injection internal combustion engines, which is likewise formedby two nozzle plates that have inlet and outlet orifices that are offsetwith respect to one another to generate turbulence in the flowing fuel.The two metal nozzle plates are manufactured or machined withconventional techniques (stamping, pressing, rolling, cutting, boring,milling, grinding, etc.).

A common feature of all of the conventional orifice plates is that thediverse, separately manufactured and machined nozzle plates must beconnected with joining methods. This is effected, for example, throughbonding for silicon wafers and welding or soldering for metallic wafers.Other work processes, such as centering the individual nozzle plateswith respect to one another, are required in addition to the actualconnecting methods. A possible disadvantage of these time- andcost-intensive method steps is deformities of the nozzle plates.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An advantage of the orifice plate according to the present invention isthat it is manufactured simply in a compact manner, and a uniform, fineatomization of a fluid through the plate can be effected withoutadditional energy, that is, with only the available medium pressure,which results in an especially high atomization quality and a jetconfiguration that is adapted to the respective requirements.Consequently, with the use of such an orifice plate at a valve,particularly a fuel-injection valve of an internal combustion engineamong other things, the exhaust-gas emissions of the internal combustionengine and fuel consumption can be reduced.

It is particularly advantageous to embody the orifice plate to behydraulically unthrottled (e.g., unrestricted). To achieve this, thecross-sectional surface areas of the flow path through the orifice platemust have specific sizes and special relationships to one another. Toavoid a pressure loss (pulse loss) in the entrance of the orifice plate,and to maintain a high atomization energy in the flow, an entrancecross-sectional surface area in the inner channel of the orifice plateadvantageously has a higher value than an exit cross-sectional surfacearea. While the entrance cross-sectional surface area results as theproduct of the sum of the circumferences of all of the inlet orificesand the height of the channel transverse to the cross-section of all ofthe inlet orifices, the value of the exit cross-sectional surface areais obtained by multiplying the sum of the circumferences of all of theoutlet orifices by the height of the channel. The flow passagewayembodied in this manner in the orifice plate guarantees a high flowpressure or flow pulse, permitting a particularly good atomization ofthe fluid. In addition, it is advantageous for the sum of thecross-sectional surface areas of all of the inlet orifices to be greaterthan the above-described entrance cross-sectional surface area. For anorifice plate that has very small dimensions, but is neverthelessunthrottled, the cross-sectional surface area of the inlet orificeshould be larger than the entrance cross-sectional surface area, whichshould in turn be larger than the exit cross-sectional surface area inorder to attain optimum atomization.

Another advantage is that the orifice plates manufactured by means ofelectrodeposition are embodied in one piece, because the individualfunctional levels are constructed one on top of the other in depositionsteps performed in direct succession. After the metal deposition hasbeen completed, the orifice plate is in one piece, thus necessitating notime- and cost-intensive method steps for connecting individual nozzleplates. Furthermore, this eliminates the problems that arise inmulti-part orifice plates when individual wafers are centered orpositioned with respect to one another.

With electrodeposition, very large numbers of orifice plates canadvantageously be manufactured simultaneously in a reproducible,highly-precise and cost-effective manner. Furthermore, thismanufacturing method permits tremendous freedom in shaping the orificeplates, because the contours of the orifices in the plates can beselected freely. Particularly in comparison to silicon orifice plates,in which the attainable contours (truncated pyramids) are strictlypredetermined by the crystal axes, flexible shaping is of greatadvantage. An advantage of metal deposition is that it can be employedwith a very wide variety of materials, particularly in comparison to themanufacture of silicon plates. A considerable range of metals havingdifferent magnetic properties and degrees of hardness can be used in themanufacture of the orifice plate of the invention.

It is also advantageous to embody the orifice plates of the presentinvention in the form of S-type plates so that exotic, bizarre jetconfigurations can be produced. An optimum condition for an S-type plateis the provision of an offset between the inlet orifices and the outletorifices. Offset is the distance between the edges of the inlet orificesand the edges of the associated outlet orifices that keeps the inlet andoutlet orifices from overlapping. In a few cases, it can even beadvantageous to provide no offset in the above-described sense, or toallow a very slight overlap that is selected to be so small that theflow still traverses an S course. All of these S-type orifice platespermit jet cross sections in countless varieties, such as rectangles,triangles, crosses and ellipses, for single-, dual- and multi-jetsprays. These unusual jet configurations permit a precise, optimumadaptation to predetermined geometries, e.g., to different intake-pipecross sections of internal combustion engines. The resulting advantagesinclude the shape-adapted utilization of the available cross section fora homogeneously-distributed introduction of the mixture that reducesexhaust gases, and the avoidance of wall-film deposits on theintake-pipe wall that render the exhaust gas harmful. In general, a verysignificant advantage of the orifice plates according to the presentinvention is that variations in the jet configuration are possible in asimple manner. Thus, jet configurations that include flat, conical ormultiple single jets and asymmetrical (directed toward one side) jetconfigurations can be created particularly easily.

To maintain a high atomization energy in the flow, the inlet orificeshave a meandering shape, or are bat-shaped, cross-shaped or gear-like,or are bone-shaped, sickle-shaped (crescent-shaped), T-shaped, shapedlike circular-ring segments, or have some other shape, and have largecircumferences. Large inlet-orifice circumferences mean relatively largeentrance cross-sectional surface areas, which are particularlydesirable. The cross-sectional surface area of the inlet orifices isadvantageously larger than or identical to the cross-sectional surfacearea of the outlet orifices.

With the use of multi-layer electroplating, undercuts can be made in theorifice plate in an advantageous manner, at low cost and with extremelyhigh precision.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a partial representation of an injection valve having afirst orifice plate according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a second orifice plate in a plan view.

FIG. 2a shows a first functional level of the orifice plate illustratedin FIG. 2.

FIG. 2b shows a second functional level of the orifice plate illustratedin FIG. 2.

FIG. 2c shows a third functional level of the orifice plate illustratedin FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 shows an orifice plate in section along the line III--IIIillustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 shows a third orifice plate in a plan view.

FIG. 4a shows a flat jet configuration that can be attained with theorifice plate illustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 4b shows a jet configuration that includes two single jets and canbe attained with the orifice plate according to FIG. 4.

FIG. 5 shows a fourth orifice plate in a plan view.

FIG. 6 shows a fifth orifice plate in a plan view.

FIG. 7 shows a sixth orifice plate in a plan view.

FIG. 8 shows a seventh orifice plate in a plan view.

FIG. 9 shows an orifice plate in section along the line IX--IXillustrated in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 shows an eighth orifice plate in a plan view.

FIG. 11 shows a ninth orifice plate in a plan view.

FIG. 11a shows a first functional level of the orifice plate illustratedin FIG. 11.

FIG. 11b shows a second functional level of the orifice plateillustrated in FIG. 11.

FIG. 11c shows a third functional level of the orifice plate illustratedin FIG. 11.

FIG. 11d shows a frustoconical jet configuration that can be attainedwith an orifice plate illustrated in FIG. 11.

FIG. 12 shows a tenth orifice plate in a plan view.

FIG. 13 shows an eleventh orifice plate in a plan view.

FIG. 13a shows a first functional level of the orifice plate illustratedin FIG. 13.

FIG. 13b shows a second functional level of the orifice plateillustrated in FIG. 13.

FIG. 13c shows a third functional level of the orifice plate illustratedin FIG. 13.

FIG. 14 shows a twelfth orifice plate in a plan view.

FIG. 14a shows a first functional level of the orifice plate illustratedin FIG. 14.

FIG. 14b shows a second functional level of the orifice plateillustrated in FIG. 14.

FIG. 14c shows a third functional level of the orifice plate illustratedin FIG. 14.

FIG. 14d shows an asymmetrical jet configuration that is directed towardone side and can be attained with the orifice plate illustrated in FIG.14.

FIG. 15 shows a thirteenth orifice plate in a plan view.

FIG. 16 shows a cut-open orifice plate in simplified form.

FIG. 17 shows a longitudinal section through an orifice plate explainingan offset or overlap of inlet-orifice edges and outlet-orifice edges.

FIG. 18 shows a diagram of the flow cross section over the flow path inan orifice plate according to the present invention with exemplaryvalues for the orifice plate illustrated in FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows, as an exemplary embodiment, a part of a valve in the formof an injection valve for fuel-injection systems of mixture-compressing,spark-ignited internal combustion engines. The injection valve has atubular valve-seat carrier 1, in which a longitudinal orifice 3 isformed concentrically situated with respect to a valve longitudinal axis2. Disposed in longitudinal orifice 3 is a valve needle 5, for examplehaving a tubular shape, that is fixedly connected at its downstream end6 to a valve-closing body 7, which is spherical, for example, and isprovided at its circumference with, for example, with five flattenedregions 8 for allowing the fuel to flow past valve closing body 7.

The injection valve is actuated in a conventional manner, for exampleelectromagnetically. A schematically-indicated electromagnetic circuitincludes a magnet coil 10, an armature 11 and a core 12. Core 12 movesin the axial movement of valve needle 5, and to open the injection valvecounter to the spring force of a restoring spring, not shown, and theclosing of the valve. Armature 11 is connected to the end of valveneedle 5 that faces away from valve-closing body 7, for example by aweld seam made by a laser, and is oriented toward core 12.

Serving to guide valve-closing body 7 during the axial movement is aguide orifice 15 of a valve-seat body 16, which is mounted tightlythrough welding into the downstream end of valve-seat carrier 1, whichend faces away from core 12, in longitudinal orifice 3 extendingconcentrically to valve longitudinal axis 2. At its lower end face 17facing away from valve-closing body 7, valve-seat body 16 isconcentrically and fixedly connected to, e.g., a pot-shapedorifice-plate carrier 21, which thereby rests, with at least one outerannular region 22, directly against valve-seat body 16. Orifice-platecarrier 21 has a similar shape to conventional pot-shaped injectionorifice plates. A central region of orifice-plate carrier 21 is providedwith a throughgoing orifice 20 that has no metering function.

An orifice plate 23 embodied according to the present invention isdisposed upstream of throughgoing orifice 20 so as to completely coverorifice 20. Orifice plate 23 only represents an insertable part that canbe inserted into orifice-plate carrier 21. Orifice-plate carrier 21 isembodied with a bottom part 24 and a retaining edge 26. Retaining edge26 extends axially, facing away from valve-seat body 16, and bendsoutward in conical fashion up to the end of the valve-seat body. Bottompart 24 is formed by outer annular region 22 and central throughgoingorifice 20.

Valve-seat body 16 and orifice-plate carrier 21 are connected, forexample, by a circumferential, tight first weld seam 25 formed by alaser. This type of assembly avoids the risk of an undesired deformationof orifice-plate carrier 21 in its central region with throughgoingorifice 20 and orifice plate 23 disposed upstream of it. In the regionof retaining edge 26, orifice-plate carrier 21 is further connected tothe wall of longitudinal orifice 3 in valve-seat carrier 1, for exampleby a circumferential, tight second weld seam 30.

Orifice plate 23, which can be secured between orifice-plate carrier 21and valve-seat body 16 inside circular weld seam 25, in the region ofthroughgoing orifice 20, is stepped, for example. An upper orifice-plateregion 33 having a smaller diameter than a base region 32 projects withdimensional accuracy into a cylindrical exit orifice 31 of valve-seatbody 16 downstream of a valve-seat surface 29. A press-fit can also beprovided for this area of the orifice-plate region 33/exit orifice 31.The base region 32 of orifice plate 23, which region projects radiallybeyond orifice-plate region 33, and can therefore be clamped, restsagainst lower end face 17 of valve-seat body 16, so bottom part 24 oforifice-plate carrier 21 is spaced slightly from end face 17 at thislocation. While orifice-plate region 33 encompasses, for example, twofunctional levels, namely a center and an upper functional level oforifice plate 23, one lower functional level alone forms base region 32.A functional level should possess a substantially constant orificecontour over its axial extension.

The depth to which the valve-seat part including valve-seat body 16,pot-shaped orifice-plate carrier 21 and orifice plate 23 is insertedinto longitudinal orifice 3 determines the magnitude of the stroke ofvalve needle 5, because one end position of valve needle 5 is determinedby the contact of valve-closing body 7 with valve-seat surface 29 ofvalve-seat body 16 when magnetic coil 10 is not excited. The other endposition of valve needle 5 is determined, for example, by the contact ofarmature 11 with core 12 when magnetic coil 10 is excited. The pathbetween these two end positions of valve needle 5 thus represents thestroke. The spherical valve-closing body 7 interacts with valve-seatsurface 29 of valve-seat body 16, the surface tapering in frustoconicalfashion in the flow direction and being embodied in the axial directionbetween guide orifice 15 and lower exit orifice 31 of valve-seat body16.

The orifice plate 23, disposed in exit orifice 31 of valve-seat body 16and held directly against end face 17 of valve-seat body 16 byorifice-plate carrier 21, is shown in an exemplary simplified form inFIG. 1, and is described in detail below. Inserting orifice plate 23with an orifice-plate carrier 21 and clamping as a securing means isonly one possible variant for mounting orifice plate 23 downstream ofvalve-seat surface 29. Such clamping as a means of indirectly securingorifice plate 23 to valve-seat body 16 has the advantage of avoidingtemperature-induced deformities that could occur in processes ofdirectly securing orifice plate 23, such as welding or soldering.Orifice-plate carrier 21 in no way represents an exclusive condition forsecuring orifice plate 23. Because the securing options are not anessential part of the present invention, reference is simply made hereto conventional joining methods such as welding, soldering or gluing.

The orifice plates 23 shown in FIGS. 2-15 are constructed in multiplemetallic functional levels through electrodeposition (multi-layerelectroplating). The manufacturing process involving depth lithographyand electroplating techniques yields special contouring features, a fewof which are summarized below:

functional levels whose thickness is constant over the plate surface,

substantially perpendicular cuts into the functional levels because ofthe deep-lithographic structuring, the cuts forming hollow spaces thatare flowed through (manufacturing-stipulated deviations of about 3° withrespect to optimum perpendicular walls can occur),

desired undercuts and overlapping of the cuts with the multi-layerconstruction of individually-structured metal layers,

cuts whose cross-sectional shapes possess arbitrary walls that aresubstantially axially parallel, and

a one-piece embodiment of the orifice plate, because the individualmetal depositions follow one immediately after the other.

At this point, a brief definition of terms is necessary, because theterms "layer" and "functional level" are used. A functional level oforifice plate 23 represents a ply over whose axial extension thecontour, including the arrangement of all orifices with respect to oneanother and the geometry of each individual orifice, remains constantfor the most part. In contrast, a layer is to be understood as the plyof orifice plate 23 that was constructed in one electroplating step. Alayer can include a plurality of functional levels, however, that can bemanufactured, for example, with so-called lateral overgrowth. Aplurality of functional levels (e.g., in an orifice plate 23 thatincludes three functional levels, the center and upper functionallevels) are formed in one electroplating step and represent a cohesivelayer. As mentioned above, however, the respective functional levelshave different orifice contours (inlet and outlet orifices, channels)from the functional level following immediately thereafter. Theindividual layers of orifice plate 23 are galvanically depositedconsecutively, so the respectively next layer fuses to the layer belowdue to the electroplate adhesion, and all layers together form aone-piece orifice plate 23. The individual functional levels or layersof orifice plate 23 are therefore not comparable toindividually-manufactured nozzle plates in the orifice plates known fromthe related art.

The method of manufacturing orifice plates 23 shown in FIGS. 1-16 isexplained briefly below. A detailed description of all of theelectrodeposition method steps for manufacturing an orifice plate isalready given in German Patent Application No. 196 07 288.3. Because ofthe stringent requirements on the structural dimensions and theprecision of injection increasing significance in large-scale nozzleproduction. Generally, a path that encourages the aforementionedcreation of turbulence within the flow of the fluid, for example thefuel, is required for the flow inside the nozzle or orifice plate. Acharacteristic of the method of successive use of photolithographicsteps (UV depth lithography) and subsequent micro-electroplating is theassurance of high precision of the structures, even on a large-surfacescale, so the method is ideal for use in mass production with very largepiece numbers. A plurality of orifice plates 23 can be producedsimultaneously on one wafer.

The method begins with a planar, stable carrier plate that may include,for example, metal (titanium, copper), silicon, glass or ceramic. Atleast one auxiliary layer can optionally be electroplated onto thecarrier plate in a first step. In this instance, the layer is a startingelectroplate layer (e.g., Cu) required for electrical conduction for thelater micro-electroplating. The starting electroplate layer can alsoserve as a sacrificial layer so that it is later possible to separatethe orifice-plate structures simply through etching. The auxiliary layer(typically CrCu or CrCuCr) is applied, for example, through sputteringor currentless metal deposition. Following this pre-treatment of thecarrier plate, a photoresist (photosensitive resist) is applied to theentire surface of the auxiliary layer.

The thickness of the photoresist should correspond to the thickness ofthe metal layer that will be created in the subsequent electroplatingprocess, that is, the thickness of the lower layer or functional levelof orifice plate 23. The metal structure to be created should betransferred inversely in the photoresist with the aid of aphotolithographic mask. One option is to expose the photoresist directlyvia the mask in UV exposure (UV deep lithography).

The negative structure to the later functional level of orifice plate23, which structure ultimately results in the photoresist, is filledwith metal (e.g., Ni, NiCo) through electroplating (metal deposition).Because of the electroplating, the metal substantially conforms to thecontour of the negative structure, creating a true-to-shape reproductionof the predetermined contours in the metal. To create the structure oforifice plate 23, the steps starting from the optional application ofthe auxiliary layer must be repeated corresponding to the desired numberof layers, two functional levels, for example, being produced in oneelectroplating step (lateral overgrowth). Different metals that can onlybe used in a respectively new electroplating step, however, can also beused for the layers of an orifice plate 23. Following completion,orifice plates 23 are separated. In the process, the sacrificial layeris etched away, causing orifice plates 23 to be lifted from the carrierplate. Afterward, the starting electroplate layers are removed throughetching, and the remaining photoresist is dissolved out of the metalstructures.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of an orifice plate 23 in a plan view.Orifice plate 23 is embodied as a flat, circular component having aplurality of functional levels, for example three, that follow oneanother in the axial direction. In particular, FIG. 3, which is asectional representation along a line III--III illustrated in FIG. 2,clarifies the structure of orifice plate 23 with its three functionallevels; the lower functional level 35, which has been formed first andcorresponds to the layer that has been deposited first, namely baseregion 32 of orifice plate 23, has a larger outer diameter than the twosubsequently-formed functional levels 36 and 37, which together formorifice-plate region 33 and are produced, for example, in oneelectroplating step. The upper functional level 37 has an inlet orifice40 having the largest possible circumference and a contour similar to astylized bat (or a double-H). Inlet orifice 40 has a cross section thatcan be described as a partially-rounded rectangle having twooppositely-located, rectangular necks 45, and thus three inlet regions46 that project in turn beyond necks 45. With respect to the contour,which can be compared to a bat, the three inlet regions 46 represent thebody/torso and the two wings of the bat (or the crossbars to thelongitudinal bar of the double-H). Four rectangular outlet orifices 42are provided in the lower functional level 35, for example in each casewith equal spacing from valve longitudinal axis 2 and therefore from thecenter axis of orifice plate 23, and symmetrically around the plate, forexample.

The rectangular/square outlet orifices 42 lie in one plane, given adrawing projection of all of the functional levels 35, 36, 37 (shown inFIG. 2), and partially or to a great extent in necks 45 of upperfunctional level 37, because in the end, necks 45 also represent threesides of a rectangle. Outlet orifices 42 are offset from inlet orifice40, that is, in the projection, inlet orifice 40 will not overlap outletorifices 42 at any location. The degree of the offset can, however, varyin different directions. As shown in FIG. 2, for example, the offset ofoutlet orifices 42 laterally with respect to inlet regions 46 of inletorifice 40 is less than the offset of outlet orifices 42 with respect tothe constricted regions of inlet orifice 40.

To ensure a fluid flow from inlet orifice 40 to outlet orifices 42, achannel 41 representing a cavity is cut into center functional level 36.The size of channel 41, which has the contour of a rounded rectangular,is such that, in the projection, the channel completely covers inletorifice 40, and projects clearly beyond inlet orifice 40, particularlyin the regions of necks 45; in other words, the channel is spacedfurther from the center axis of orifice plate 23 than necks 45 are. AsFIG. 3 clearly shows, the four outlet orifices 42 protrude beyond theouter wall of channel 41, for example partially on the side oppositenecks 45. These outlet orifices 42 protruding beyond channel 41 offerthe option of spraying the fluid with a large jet angle. Undercuts ofthis type can easily be produced with multi-layer electroplating. Theideal, perpendicular walls of all of the orifice regions 40, 41 and 42shown in FIG. 3 can deviate by a maximum of about 3° to 4°, as dictatedby the manufacturing technology, so that, seen in the flow direction,all of the orifice regions 40, 41 and 42 may taper to a minimal degreein the aforementioned angle regions, deviating from the perpendiculars.

FIGS. 2a, 2b and 2c show functional levels 37, 36 and 35 individually toillustrate clearly the orifice contour of each individual functionallevel 37, 36 and 35. Each figure is a simplified, horizontal sectionalrepresentation along each functional level 37, 36 and 35. To give a moredefinitive picture of the orifice contours of each individual functionallevel 37, 36 and 35, no shading or body edges of the other functionallevels are shown. The three functional levels 37, 36 and 35 togetherrepresent a one-piece orifice plate 23.

With a diameter of about 2 to 2.5 mm, orifice plate 23 is, for example,0.3 mm thick, and functional levels 35, 36 and 37 each is, for example,0.1 mm thick. In different embodiments, the center functional levels 36in particular, with their channels 41 embodied as cavities, are mostlikely to be shaped variably with respect to the thickness of functionallevel 36 for easily influencing the flow (shown in FIG. 16) with the useof the ratio of the offset v of inlet orifice 40 with respect to outletorifice 42 to the height h of cavity 41. Surfaces areas thus settransversely in channel 41 are adjusted by way of height h of channel41, in conformance with a desired profile (shown in FIG. 18). Thenumbers given for the dimensions of orifice plate 23 and all furthermeasurements disclosed in the description are intended only tofacilitate understanding, and do not limit the present invention in anyway. The relative dimensions of the individual structures of orificeplate 23 are also not necessarily to scale in FIGS. 1-18.

The aforementioned offset v of outlet orifices 42 with respect to the atleast one inlet orifice 40 causes an S-shaped flow course of the medium,for example the fuel, which is why these orifice plates 23 are S-typeplates. The medium obtains a radial-velocity component due to theradially-running channel 41. In the short, axial outlet passage, theflow does not completely lose its radial-velocity component. Instead, itemerges from orifice plate 23, lifting off from the walls of outletorifice 42 facing inlet orifice 40 at an angle to longitudinal valveaxis 2. The combination of a plurality of individual jets that can beoriented, for example, asymmetrically with respect to one another, andcan be attained with a corresponding arrangement and orientation ofinlet and outlet orifices 40 and 42 and channels 41, permits individual,complex, over-all jet configurations with different quantitydistributions.

The so-called S course inside orifice plate 23, having a plurality ofsharp flow reroutings, causes severe turbulence in the flow thatencourages atomization. The velocity gradient transverse to the flow isexpressed particularly strongly. It provides a change in velocitytransversely to the flow, the velocity being perceptibly higher in thecenter of the flow than in the vicinity of the walls. The increasedshearing stresses in the fluid resulting from the differences invelocities encourage the breakdown into fine droplets near outletorifices 42. Because the flow is partially detached (lifted off thewalls) in the outlet, it is not calmed due to a lack of contourguidance. The fluid at the detached side has a particularly highvelocity, while the velocity of the fluid on the side of outlet orifice42 decreases when a flow is present. The turbulence and shearingstresses that encourage atomization are therefore not eliminated in theexit.

The S course or flow detachment in the outlet produces a fine-scale(high-frequency) turbulence with transverse vibrations in the fluid,causing the jet or jets to break down into correspondingly fine dropletsimmediately after exiting orifice plate 23. The higher the shearingstresses caused by the turbulence, the greater the scatter of the flowvectors.

In the further exemplary embodiments described below, the parts that areidentical or perform identically to those in the embodiment shown inFIGS. 2 and 3 are provided with the same reference numerals. The orificeplate 23 shown in FIG. 4 differs from the orifice plate 23 illustratedin FIG. 2 only in that channel 41 is now so large that it covers all ofoutlet orifices 42 in the projection. Thus, at any location at thecircumference of each outlet orifice 42, the fluid flow can enter outletorifice 42 through the protruding channel wall, even on the sides ofoutlet orifices 42 facing away from inlet orifice 40.

FIGS. 4a and 4b show two possible jet configurations that can beattained with an orifice plate illustrated in FIG. 4. The outletorifices 42 disposed deep in necks 45 permit a flat jet configuration(shown in FIG. 4a), while the increased offset of inlet orifice 40 withrespect to outlet orifice 42, and thus outlet orifices 42 lying nearlyoutside of necks 45, permits a jet configuration encompassing two singlejets (shown in FIG. 4b), so this type of orifice plate 23 isparticularly suited for so-called dual-jet valves. Likewise, variationsin jet configurations are possible with, for example, outlet orifices 42provided asymmetrically in necks 45. The sprays having theaforementioned jet configurations are indicated by 44. The jetconfigurations shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b, or variations thereof, can becreated with all of the orifice plates 23 shown in FIGS. 2 through 9.

FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 show exemplary embodiments of orifice plates 23 thatrepresent variations of the orifice plate 23 illustrated in FIG. 4. Inall of these exemplary embodiments, channel 41 (cavity) covers alloutlet orifices 42, so the fluid can likewise flow into outlet orifices42 from any location at the circumference. The orifice plate 23 shown inFIG. 5 has an inlet orifice 40 that only has two outer inlet regions 46,and a narrow connecting region 48 formed by necks 45 on both sides isprovided between the two inlet regions 46. No center, wide inlet region46 is formed here, so inlet orifice 40 appears to be shaped like a bone(or a rotary armature or a double-T). Two outlet orifices 42 arerespectively positioned at least partially in one of the two necks 45,offset from inlet orifice 40, orifices 40 and 42 are formed in the twodifferent functional levels 37 and 35.

The orifice plate 23 shown in FIG. 6 is obtained by lengthening the twoinlet regions 46 of inlet orifice 40 of the orifice plate 23 illustratedin FIG. 5 in a circular-arc shape. Starting from connecting region 48,inlet regions 46 shaped like circular arcs are so wide that their endsare only spaced slightly opposite one another, and virtually form acomplete circular ring. The angle α formed by the material in upperfunctional level 37 between two respective ends of inlet regions 46, theangle starting from the center of the orifice plate, is, for example,40°, so inlet regions 46 are embodied over about 280°. Inlet orifice 40thus advantageously possesses a very large circumference. The channel41, embodied substantially in circular shape in center functional level36, includes indentations 49 precisely in the regions betweenrespectively two ends of inlet regions 46, the indentations projectingradially inward from the ideal circular shape toward valve longitudinalaxis 2. The contour of outlet orifices 42 differs from a rectangle orsquare; the cross sections of the orifices can be shaped liketrapezoids, polygons, rounded rectangles or rounded polygons, displaced(angled) polygons, or even ellipses or circles. Inlet orifices 40 andoutlet orifices 42 can be adapted to one another, depending on thedesired offset. Inlet regions 46 of inlet orifice 40, which extend veryfar around, ensure that the flow reaches outlet orifices 42 fromnumerous sides. The orifice plate 23 shown in FIG. 7 is formed by thecombination of the orifice plates 23 of FIGS. 4 and 6, so a centralinlet region 46 and the two outer inlet regions 46 form four necks 45,into which outlet orifices 42 are embedded in the projection.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show a further embodiment of an orifice plate 23 based onthe "bat" inlet orifice 40 illustrated in FIG. 2 or 4, FIG. 9 showssection through orifice plate 23 along the line IX--IX illustrated inFIG. 8. Outlet orifices 42 and channel 41 are largely rectangular,channel 41 again completely covering outlet orifices 42, as in theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 4. One essential feature distinguishesthe orifice plate 23 illustrated in FIG. 8 from the orifice plate 23illustrated in FIG. 4. The formerly one inlet orifice 40 is now in threeparts, because said inlet orifice 40 is completely partitioned betweentwo opposite necks 45. Starting from lower functional level 35, metal isdeposited in web fashion through electroplating in the two subsequentfunctional levels 36 and 37, so two web-shaped material regions 50 inupper functional level 37 ensure that inlet orifice 40 is partitionedinto three sections, and the web-like material regions 51 below them incenter functional level 36 represent material islands within channel 41that end no further than at outlet orifices 42. Inlet regions 46 ofinlet orifices 40 respectively extend precisely to the wall of channel41.

Primarily the flat jet construction and the jet construction comprisingtwo (symmetrical) single jets shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b can be attainedwith the orifice plates 23 shown in FIGS. 2-9. In this context, largerjet angles are created with orifice plates 23 having bat-like inletorifices 40 than with orifice plates 23 having bone-shaped inletorifices 40 (given comparable outlet orifices 42). The degree of theoffset between inlet orifices 40 and outlet orifices 42 is alsosignificant for the jet angles.

The inlet orifice 40 of the orifice plate 23 shown in FIG. 10 has acircular base shape. Seen in the direction of the circumference, aplurality of necks 45, for example six, are provided starting from thecircumference, tooth-like dents 53 automatically extending radiallyoutwardly in each case. Dents 53 are distributed uniformly over thecircumference of inlet orifice 40, for example; namely, six dents 53 arepositioned at every 60°. The contour of the cross-section of inletorifice 40 is therefore similar to a gear. The six, for example,rectangular or trapezoidal outlet orifices 42 are disposed or embeddedwith offset in necks 45 of inlet orifice 40. Outlet orifices 42 projectradially outward, for example not beyond the outer circumference ofinlet orifice 40. In this embodiment, inlet orifice 40 has aparticularly large circumference, which is especially advantageous, aswill become apparent in a later observation of the cross-section regionsthat are flowed through. The circular channel 41 is selected to be largeenough that it completely covers both inlet orifice 40 and outletorifices 42. Fluid therefore flows through outlet orifice 42 from allsides. This orifice plate 23 can be used to attain a conical jetconfiguration.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show orifice plates 23 with largely cross-shaped inletorifices 40. The transitions of the individual legs 55 of the cross ofinlet orifice 40 are rounded, for example. The four legs 55 extendradially outward from valve longitudinal axis 2, with 90° spacing fromone another, and areas are formed by the cross shape betweenrespectively two adjacent legs 55, similarly to the necks 45 of theorifice plate 23 illustrated in FIG. 4, an outlet orifice 42 beingcorrespondingly disposed in these areas in lower functional level 35,with slight offset with respect to inlet orifice 40. Outlet orifices 42are rounded on their side 56 facing valve longitudinal axis 2, andspecifically with a radius that corresponds to, for example, the radiusof the rounded transitions of legs 55. In contrast to the rounded side56 of outlet orifices 42, which side faces valve longitudinal axis 2, onthe opposite side 57 oriented radially outward, outlet orifices 42 havea substantially angled contour, these outer sides 57 that limit outletorifices 42 being slightly arched, for example, and outlet orifices 42as a whole having a skylight shape, or a shape similar to a tunnelopening. It is conceivable, however, for outlet orifices 42 to havecompletely different contours.

In the orifice plate 23 shown in FIG. 11, channel 41 in centerfunctional level 36 is circular for the most part, but in the immediatevicinity of outlet orifices 42, up to their outer sides 57, channel 41has small, pinched (waist-like) narrow regions 58, acting as flow-guideblades. These narrow regions 58 ensure that the fluid, particularly afuel, is conducted optimally in channel 41 and can flow specifically tooutlet orifices 42. Channel 41 is otherwise cut such that its diametercovers legs 55 of inlet orifice 40, so the walls of inlet orifice 40that form the ends of legs 55 make a direct transition into the wall ofchannel 41. FIGS. 11a, 11b and 11c show functional levels 37, 36 and 35separately, so the orifice regions of each functional level 37, 36 and35 can be further identified. As can be seen in FIG. 11b, channel 41 incenter functional level 36 is shaped like a stylized flower bloom or afour-leaf clover.

The orifice plate 23 shown in FIG. 12 differs from the orifice plate 23of FIG. 11 in that channel 41 has a smaller diameter, so outlet orifices42 protrude partially beyond channel 41. The radially outer sides 57 ofoutlet orifices 42 therefore lie outside of the wall of channel 41,similarly to the orifice plate 23 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. In the regionof the ends of the four legs 55 of inlet orifice 40, however, the walllimiting channel 41 is exactly downstream of the wall of inlet orifice40, because (in all of the embodiments) the entire inlet orifice 40should always be "buried under" channel 41 (covered in the projection).As FIG. 11d shows, orifice plates 23 having cross-shaped inlet orifices40 (FIGS. 11 and 12) are especially suited for a conical jet sprayingfor spray 44.

FIG. 13 shows an orifice plate 23 that has a plurality of inlet orifices40, for example three. A plurality of channels 41 are now provided aswell; exactly one channel 41 and exactly one outlet orifice 42 areassociated with each inlet orifice 40. Such orifice plates 23 areespecially relevant because they can be used to produce unusual jetconfigurations. Orifice plate 23 has three functional units, each havingone inlet orifice 40, one channel 41 and one outlet orifice 42.Depending on the desired jet configuration, the functional units aredisposed asymmetrically or eccentrically around valve longitudinal axis2, which also always corresponds to the center axis of orifice plate 23.Very good individual jet directions can be attained with this seeminglydisordered distribution. In the orifice plate illustrated in FIG. 3, achannel 41, whose contour has a cross section shaped like a sector of acircle, connects an inlet orifice 40 that is sickle-shaped or shapedlike a circular-ring segment to a circular outlet orifice 42. Channels41 always completely bury or cover the associated inlet orifices 40 andoutlet orifices 42. Outlet orifices 42 are so disposed that anasymmetrical cone results from the jet configuration, because theindividual jets diverge in opposite directions, that is, they widen asthey aim in a primary direction diagonally to valve longitudinal axis 2.FIGS. 13a, 13b and 13c show all three functional levels 37, 36 and 35individually to clarify the orifice contours of the respectivefunctional level 37, 36 and 35.

FIGS. 14 and 15 show two further exemplary embodiments of orifice plates23 having a plurality of inlet orifices 40, e.g., in this case two. Theorifice contours of the two inlet orifices 40 are different, becausethese orifice plates 23 are also intended to serve in producing diagonaljets or asymmetrical jet configurations. While the one inlet orifice 40has three legs 55 and is thus T-shaped, the second inlet orifice 40 hasthe contour of a circular-ring segment having a variable width. Of thethree outlet orifices 42, which are again shaped similarly to a tunnelopening, for example, one is associated with the inlet orifice 40 thatis shaped like a circular-ring segment and the adjoining channel 41shaped like a sector of a circle, and two are associated with theT-shaped inlet orifice 40 and the semicircular channel 41 following inthe downstream direction, and the outlet orifices are again embedded inthe regions between legs 55, namely in the space enclosed by thecircular-ring segment of the one inlet orifice 40, similarly to thecross-shaped inlet orifices 40 (shown in FIGS. 11 and 12). FIGS. 14a,14b and 14c show all three functional levels 37, 36 and 35 individually,giving a very clear illustration of the orifice contours of functionallevels 37, 36 and 35, particularly inlet orifices 40 with their largecircumferences; although these contours are complicated, they can beproduced simply through metal deposition.

FIG. 15 shows several variation options for the exemplary embodimentillustrated in FIG. 14. On the one hand, all of the orifice contours canbe changed, for example the widths and lengths of legs 55, that is, thecircular-ring segment of inlet orifices 40, or the contour of channel 41having the narrow regions 58, described above with respect to theorifice plate 23 shown in FIGS. 11 and 11b, which serve in optimizingthe flow toward outlet orifices 42. A very good double swirl can beattained in the horizontal plane of the flow with these narrow regions58 serving as flow guide blades. On the other hand, in the orifice plate23 shown in FIG. 15, the geometry of the individual orifice regions withrespect to one another are offset relative to the orifice plate 23illustrated in FIG. 14. While valve longitudinal axis 2 or the centeraxis of orifice plate 23 runs along the wall of the T-shaped inletorifice 40 in the orifice plate 23 shown in FIG. 14, in the orificeplate 23 shown in FIG. 15, the T-shaped inlet orifice 40 is positionedin upper functional level 37 such that valve longitudinal axis 2 doesnot run along the wall, but somewhere in the center through inletorifice 40.

Asymmetrical jet configurations of sprayed sprays 44 can be attainedparticularly with the orifice plates 23 shown in FIGS. 13, 14 and 15.FIG. 14d illustrates an exemplary asymmetrical jet configurationincluding three single jets. Such orifice plates 23 are usedparticularly in so-called diagonal-jet valves. This ensures a verywell-directed spray (e.g., onto an intake valve of an internalcombustion engine without wetting the wall of an intake pipe), evenunder unfavorable installation conditions.

FIG. 16 shows an orifice plate 23 that is cut open and in simplifiedform for explaining important parameters of the orifice plate 23 of thepresent invention. Decisive variables for influencing the jetconfiguration of the spray 44 to be sprayed are height h of channel 41(cavity) and offset v between one or a plurality of inlet-orifice edges60 facing outlet orifice 42 and one or a plurality of outlet-orificeedges 62 facing inlet orifice 40 in channel 41, i.e. the ratio of v/h.As shown in almost all of the exemplary embodiments, offset v betweeninlet orifice 40 and outlet orifice 42 is not constant for the mostpart, so a fluid flowing through channel 41 must traverse differentpaths from inlet orifice 40 to outlet orifice 42. The ratio of v/h isusually between 0 and 5, particularly between 0 and 2.5, this ratiovarying within one and the same orifice plate 23 or from exactly oneinlet orifice 40 to exactly one outlet orifice 42.

The longitudinal section through an orifice plate 23 in FIG. 17 isintended to show that an offset v is not an exclusive condition for an Scourse in the flow in an orifice plate 23 of the invention. Rather, inspecial cases, it can be desirable to provide a "negative offset" oroverlap w of inlet-orifice edges 60 of inlet orifice 40 andoutlet-orifice edges 62 of outlet orifice 42. However, to still ensurean S-shaped flow in such an embodiment, overlap w must be selected to beonly very small. The ratio of w/h is therefore only between 0 and 1. Thevalues 0 are attained for the ratios of v/h and w/h if offset v oroverlap w is 0, that is, inlet-orifice edges 60 and outlet-orifice edges62 are positioned exactly vertically (axes are parallel) one above theother.

As mentioned above in reference to the size of the circumference ofinlet orifices 40, the surface areas in orifice plate 23 that are flowedthrough are critical for an optimum application of orifice plates 23 asS-type plates. Assuming a limited size of orifice plate 23 (e.g., a2.5-mm diameter of base region 32 and a 2.1-mm diameter of orifice-plateregion 33), which results from continuously decreasing valve or nozzledimensions and thus continuously decreasing installation spaces, theorifice plate 23 embodied as an S-type plate should be hydraulicallyunthrottled. To keep the throttling effect of inlet orifice 40 as smallas possible, the entrance cross section of all inlet orifices 40 shouldgenerally be larger than the exit cross-section of all outlet orifices42 of an orifice plate 23. The surface areas to be considered, or theirrelationships to one another, are described in detail in conjunctionwith the diagram shown in FIG. 18.

A disadvantage of throttled orifice plates 23, in which the desiredsurface-area ratios for the orifice plate 23 of the invention are notconsidered, is that a pressure loss (pulse loss) occurs in the entranceof orifice plate 23, limiting the flow rate in an undesirable manner.This results in an insufficient flow pressure or flow pulse (flow energylosses) for an optimum atomization of the fluid. Moreover, if therelative entrance is too small, the tolerances and fluctuations of theflow quantities to be sprayed increase. Two variables that have adecisive impact on the flow ratios are an entrance cross-sectionalsurface area A_(40c) and an exit cross-sectional surface area A_(42c) inchannel 41. Inlet orifice 40, that is to say, the sum of all of theinlet orifices 40, has a cross-sectional surface area A₄₀ that is set inupper functional level 37. The same applies for outlet orifice 42, i.e.the sum of all of the outlet orifices 42 having the cross-sectionalsurface area A₄₂ in lower functional level 35.

Cross-sectional surface areas A₄₀ and A₄₂ represent the actual, set,open surface areas in the inlet or outlet of the entire orifice plate23. Starting from these two cross-sectional surface areas A₄₀ and A₄₂,the two cross-sectional surface areas A_(40c) and A_(42c) are setperpendicular to the first two surface areas. Entrance cross-sectionalsurface area A_(40c) is the product of the sum of the circumferences ofinlet orifices 40 and height h of channel 41; exit cross-sectionalsurface area A_(42c) is formed by multiplying the sum of thecircumferences of all outlet orifices 42 by height h of channel 41. Thediagram shown in FIG. 17, which contains exemplary values for an orificeplate 23 illustrated in FIG. 4, clearly shows that A₄₀ >A_(40c) >A_(42c)should apply for the unthrottled orifice plate 23. To ensure thatentrance cross-sectional surface area A_(40c) is large relative to exitcross-sectional surface area A_(42c) given predetermined, limitedinstallation space, it is advantageous to increase the circumferences ofinlet orifices 40. To maintain a high atomization energy in the flow,inlet orifices 40 are not only rectangular, square, circular orelliptical, as in known orifice plates, but, as shown in FIGS. 2-15, arealso meandering, bat-shaped, cross-shaped, gear-like, bone-shaped,sickle-shaped, T-shaped, shaped like circular-ring segments or shaped insome other way. No special requirements are placed on the size ofcross-sectional surface area A₄₂. It can be larger or smaller than exitcross-sectional surface area A_(42c), but can also be identical to it insize. In any event, cross-sectional surface area A₄₂ will be smallerthan or identical to cross-sectional surface area A₄₀.

The exemplary embodiment according to the present invention may besummarized as follows:

1. The jet configuration is primarily influenced by

offset v,

the regions of channels 41 that surround outlet orifices 42 in alldirections (rear spaces, lateral spaces), and

the size and shape of outlet orifices 42.

2. The SMD (Sauter Mean Diameter, droplet size in spray 44) is primarilyinfluenced by

height h and the width of channel 41,

cross-sectional surface area A₄₀ of inlet orifices 40, and

cross-sectional surface area A₄₂ of outlet orifices 42.

3 . The statistical spraying quantity is primarily influenced by

height h of channel 41, and

cross-sectional surface area A₄₂ of outlet orifices 42.

The orifice plates 23 are not all provided exclusively for use atinjection valves; they can also be used in, for example, paint nozzles,inhalers or ink-jet printers, in freeze-drying methods, for spraying orinjecting fluids, such as beverages, or for atomizing medications. Theorifice plates 23 manufactured through multi-layer electroplating andembodied as S-type plates are generally suited for producing finesprays, for example with large angles.

What is claimed is:
 1. An orifice plate composed of at least onemetallic material, comprising:an upper functional region having at leastone inlet orifice; a lower functional region having at least one outletorifice; and a center functional region having at least one channel andbeing positioned between the upper functional region and the lowerfunctional region, the at least one channel facilitating a fluid tocompletely flow from the at least one inlet orifice to the at least oneoutlet orifice, wherein the upper, lower and center functional regionsform a one-piece unit, wherein the at least one channel has an entrancecross-sectional surface area and an exit cross-sectional surface area,the entrance cross-sectional surface area being a product of, on the onehand, at least one circumference of the at least one inlet orifice and,on the other hand, a height of the at least one channel transverse to across-section of the at least one inlet orifice, the exitcross-sectional surface area being a product of, on the one hand, atleast one circumference of the at least one outlet orifice and, on theother hand, a height of the at least one channel transverse to across-section of the at least one outlet orifice, and wherein theentrance cross-sectional surface area is larger than the exitcross-sectional surface area.
 2. The orifice plate according to claim 1,wherein the orifice plate is used in an injection valve.
 3. The orificeplate according to claim 1,wherein the at least one inlet orificeincludes a plurality of inlet orifices, and wherein a sum of furthercross-sectional surface areas of all of the plurality of inlet orificesis greater than the entrance cross-sectional surface area.
 4. Theorifice plate according to claim 1, wherein the at least one inletorifice has a first contour, and the at least one outlet orifice has asecond contour, the first contour being different from the secondcontour.
 5. The orifice plate according to claim 1,wherein the at leastone inlet orifice includes a plurality of inlet orifices, and the atleast one outlet orifice includes a plurality of outlet orifices, andwherein a sum of first cross-sectional surface areas of all of theplurality of outlet orifices is smaller than a sum of secondcross-sectional surface areas of all of the plurality of inlet orifices.6. The orifice plate according to claim 1, wherein each of the at leastone channel is connected to at least one respective orifice of the atleast one inlet orifice and completely buries the at least onerespective orifice, the at least one respective orifice being completelycovered by the at least one channel.
 7. The orifice plate according toclaim 1, wherein each of the at least one channel is connected to atleast one respective orifice of the at least one outlet orifice and atleast partially covers the respective orifice.
 8. The orifice plateaccording to claim 1, wherein a number of the at least one inlet orificeis not equal to a number of the at least one outlet orifice.
 9. Theorifice plate according to claim 1, wherein the at least one inletorifice does not overlap the at least one outlet orifice and ispositioned at an offset from the at least one outlet orifice.
 10. Theorifice plate according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the upper,lower and center functional regions is electro-deposited on at leastanother one of the upper, lower and center functional regions.
 11. Theorifice plate according to claim 1, wherein the upper, lower and centerfunctional regions are multi-layer-electroplated on one another.
 12. Theorifice plate according to claim 10, wherein each of the upper, lowerand center functional regions has a corresponding characteristic orificestructure, each of the corresponding characteristic orifice structurebeing different from an immediately following characteristic orificestructure in a flow direction.
 13. The orifice plate according to claim12, wherein a number of the upper, lower and center functional regionsis at least as great as one of a number of electroplate layers and anumber of necessary electroplating steps producing layers.
 14. Theorifice plate according to claim 1,wherein the upper functional regionhas a single inlet orifice, wherein the center functional region has asingle channel connected to the single inlet orifice, and wherein thelower functional region has a plurality of outlet orifices connected tothe single channel.
 15. The orifice plate according to claim 14, whereinthe single inlet orifice has a shape substantially corresponding to oneof a stylized bat shape and a double-H shape.
 16. The orifice plateaccording to claim 15,wherein the upper functional region includes acenter inlet region, two outer inlet regions and neck portions formedbetween the center and outer inlet regions, the neck portions separatingone of the center and outer inlet regions from another one of the centerand outer inlet regions, and wherein the plurality of outlet orifices isat least partially disposed in the neck portions.
 17. The orifice plateaccording to claim 14, wherein the single inlet orifice has a shapesubstantially corresponding to one of a bone shape, a rotary armatureshape and a double-T shape,wherein the upper functional region includes,neck regions, two outer wide inlet regions and a narrow connectingregion coupling one of the two outer wide inlet regions to another oneof the two outer wide inlet regions, the plurality of outlet orificesbeing at least partially disposed in the neck regions as a function ofthe narrow connecting region.
 18. The orifice plate according to claim14,wherein the single inlet orifice has a shape substantially similar toa gear wheel shape, and wherein the upper functional region includes aplurality of tooth-like dents situated at the circumference of thesingle inlet orifice and extending from a circular internal region ofthe single inlet orifice, the plurality of outlet orifices being atleast partially disposed between the plurality of tooth-like dents. 19.The orifice plate according to claim 14, wherein the single inletorifice is cross-shaped and has four legs, the four leg situated betweenthe plurality of outlet orifices.
 20. The orifice plate according toclaim 1, wherein the at least one inlet orifice includes at least twoinlet orifices, each of the at least two inlet orifices being connectedto the at least one channel, the at least one channel being connected tothe at least one outlet orifice.
 21. The orifice plate according toclaim 20, wherein at least one of the at least two inlet orifices has aT-shape.
 22. The orifice plate according to claim 20, wherein at leastone of the at least two inlet orifices has a shape substantiallycorresponding to one of a sickle shape and a segment shape of a circularring.
 23. The orifice plate according to claim 20,wherein the at leastone channel has at least two channels, wherein a number of the at leasttwo channels corresponds to a number of the at least two inlet orificesand the at least one outlet orifice, and wherein one of the at least twochannels connects only one of the at least two inlet orifices to arespective one of the at least one outlet orifice.
 24. The orifice plateaccording to claim 1, wherein the at least one channel has narrowregions extending toward the at least one outlet orifice and acting asflow-guide blades.
 25. The orifice plate according to claim 1, whereinthe at least one inlet orifice and the at least one outlet orifice areasymmetrically distributed over a surface area of the orifice plate. 26.The orifice plate according to claim 1, wherein the upper functionalregion and the center functional region form an orifice-plate regionhaving a first outer diameter, and the lower functional region forms abase region having a second outer diameter, the first outer diameterbeing smaller than the second outer diameter.
 27. A valve having alongitudinal valve axis, comprising:a valve seat body having a valveseat surface; a valve closing body interacting with the valve seatsurface; and an orifice plate composed of at least one metallic materialand situated downstream of the valve seat surface, the orifice plateincluding:an upper functional region having at least one inlet orifice,a lower functional region having at least one outlet orifice, and acenter functional region having at least one channel and beingpositioned between the upper functional region and the lower functionalregion, the at least one channel facilitating a fluid to completely flowfrom the at least one inlet orifice to the at least one outlet orifice,wherein the upper, lower and center functional regions form a one-pieceunit, wherein the at least one channel has an entrance cross-sectionalsurface area and an exit cross-sectional surface area, the entrancecross-sectional surface area being a product of, on the one hand, atleast one circumference of the at least one inlet orifice and, on theother hand, a height of the at least one channel transverse to across-section of the at least one inlet orifice, the exitcross-sectional surface area being a product of, on the one hand, atleast one circumference of the at least one outlet orifice and, on theother hand, a height of the at least one channel transverse to across-section of the at least one outlet orifice, and wherein theentrance cross-sectional surface area is larger than the exitcross-sectional surface area.
 28. The valve according to claim 27,wherein the valve is a fuel-injection valve for a fuel-injection systemof an internal combustion engine.
 29. The valve according to claim27,wherein the at least one inlet orifice includes a plurality of inletorifices, and wherein a sum of further cross-sectional surface areas ofall of the plurality of inlet orifices is greater than the entrancecross-sectional surface area.
 30. The valve according to claim27,wherein the valve seat body has a downstream end forming a furtheroutlet orifice, wherein the upper and center functional regions of theorifice plate form an orifice-plate region having a first outerdiameter, and the lower functional region forms a base region having asecond outer diameter, the first outer diameter being smaller than thesecond outer diameter, and wherein the orifice-plate region projectsinto the further outlet orifice, and the base region rests against alower end face of the valve seat body.
 31. The valve according to claim30, further comprising:an orifice-plate carrier securely connecting theorifice plate to the valve seat body.